Aguas Buenas, judiciary strengthen alliance to expand support for victims of gender violence

The initiative in Aguas Buenas is part of a broader effort involving several municipalities in Puerto Rico’s central region, through the Caguas Judicial Region, to strengthen the interagency response to gender-based violence and ensure more agile and coordinated care. It also includes several non-profit organizations.

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of its commitment to the protection and well-being of victims of gender violence, the Municipality of Aguas Buenas has formalized a collaborative agreement with the island government’s judicial branch that will strengthen the coordination of services, fortify education as a prevention tool and facilitate access to resources for surviving victims.

The initiative is part of a broader effort involving several municipalities in Puerto Rico’s central region, through the Caguas Judicial Region, to strengthen the interagency response to gender-based violence and ensure more agile and coordinated care. It also includes several non-profit organizations.

“We are aware of the sad reality that Puerto Rico is facing,” Aguas Buenas Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano said. “That is why it is essential that municipalities, agencies, the judicial system, the police, and organizations work together to strengthen prevention, education, and access to tools that allow us to combat this type of violence.”

As part of the agreement, Aguas Buenas will maintain direct communication with the judicial branch to coordinate referrals and exchange information, make referrals to specialized services, offer transportation to the Specialized Court for Gender Violence Cases of the Caguas Judicial Region, participate in training and educational efforts, and continue developing initiatives aimed at preventing gender violence in its communities.

It is worth noting that the Specialized Courts for Gender Violence Cases incorporate a structured space with separate service areas for petitioners and respondents, including a children’s room and appropriate spaces for legal advocacy services. They are staffed by judges and court personnel trained in gender violence issues, including sexual violence, and operate on specialized schedules tailored to the nature of the cases before the court.

According to statistics from the Puerto Rico Police, between 2017 and 2025 some 142 women were murdered by their partners or ex-partners.

The mayor urged citizens seeking more information or needing to request services to call 787-732-8621 or visit the Aguas Buenas City Hall.